Initially introduced in 2015, and offered only in platinum, the Cornes de Vache from Vacheron Constantin’s Historiques collection is based on the iconic reference 6087, manufactured in 1955. The moniker ‘Cornes de Vache’, meaning ‘bull’s horns’ reflects the flamboyant and powerfully curved lugs, present on both the vintage and this modern iteration. Twenty-eight examples in yellow gold are known to exist of the original reference 6087, the only vintage Vacheron Constantin with a screw-down case back and circular chronograph pushers. It was only in production for about a decade, and the last chronograph to be manufactured by Vacheron until 1989.

On February 7th, 2017, online watch publication HODINKEE released the fourth of their limited edition collaborations, this stainless steel Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955. Though it was already available in platinum and 18k rose gold, the stainless steel version, with pulsometer scale and ‘anthracite grey opaline’ dial, released by HODINKEE in only 36 examples, thrilled collectors all over the world. It built not only on the aesthetic foundation of the original reference 6087, but incorporated modern improvements introduced with the platinum Cornes de Vache in 2015, such as the updated manually-wound chronograph caliber 1142 and an increase in size from the original’s 35mm diameter to 38.5mm diameter.

The 36 Cornes de Vaches Historiques 1955 for HODINKEE sold out in less than thirty minutes. So successful was the model that immediately following its announcement, the wait list reached 130 names.

Three elements make the HODINKEE limited edition so prized among collectors: a case metal choice of stainless steel, a pulsometer scale designed for medical professionals replacing the tachymeter scale used for the regular production model, and the gorgeous anthracite opaline dial that changes color with the slightest lighting alteration. Much like the original reference 6087, the ornate architecture of the case complements the simplicity of the two-register layout perfectly, creating an elegant and classic profile.